[Effects of emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats and study its possible mechanism.

METHODS:

The rat hepatic fibrotic model was induced by the subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl(4) (twice a week for 6 weeks). The fibrotic rats were treated with low-dose, mediate-dose and high-dose emodin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight, once a day for 42 days). Liver function, serum hyaluronic acid, laminin, and liver hydroxyproline were determined, Histopathological changes were examined by optical microscopy. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTS:

Compared with model group, it revealed that in emodin-treated rats: (1) Liver functions was improved, alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) obviously reduced (P<0.05 or <0.01), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) significantly increased (P<0.05 or <0.01). (2) Serum hyaluronic acid and laminin markedly reduced (P<0.05 or <0.01). (3) Liver hydroxyproline were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or <0.01). (4) The degrees of fibrosis were reduced (P<0.05). (5) The expression of alpha-SMA in liver tissue were ameliorated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Emodin has an effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats. The effect may be related to slowing hepatocyte injury and inhibiting liver alpha-SMA expressions.

• Authors: Y Zhan, H Wei, Z Wang, X Huang, Q Xu, D Li, H Lu
• Journal: Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology (Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi) Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 235-6 (Aug 2001) ISSN: 1007-3418 [Print] China
• PMID: 11602058 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Actins
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Laminin
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Emodin

Topics

• Actins (drug effects, metabolism)
• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Emodin (therapeutic use)
• Enzyme Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Hyaluronic Acid (blood)
• Laminin (blood)
• Liver Cirrhosis (drug therapy, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Liver Function Tests
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley